1/23/2007 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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Ken Patrick stated that salaries want to go up n*ne and 32/100 (9.32%)percent, expenses up fourteen (14%)percent, and Cape Tech up ten(10%) percent. Chris ,Avis thought the Cape Tech was going down because of less student enrollment. Chris Avis asked the Board if another meeting should be scheduled prior to the February 13, 2007 meeting because of the fact that Joyce Jason will be presenting the Budget. Bob Hutchinson felt there would be plenty of time to read the budget and report back without the need of an additional meeting. Chris Avis assured the Board that he would get back to the Board with Joyce Mason's recommendations prior to the next scheduled Meeting on February 1 , 2007). It was agreed by all that there would be no additional meetings, and that the next scheduled meeting would be on February 1 , 2007. Ken Patrick discussed contractual issues and those hired by the Massachusetts Teacher's Association. Iden strongly disagrees with automatic approval of raises and step increases, and wants the Financial Corr m'ttee to provide leadership to the Town. Ken wants the School Committee to operate efficiently and feels the teachers should work longer hours, (six) hours per day), and increase their yearly working hours to over and above the current Nine Hundred Ninety ty o hours. Chris Avis addressed Ken's statement by adding that he does not disagree with Ken's stand,but feels that the tinning of these discussions need to be brought up throughout the year. Chris further noted that Senator Kennedy has already raised this fact and also feels that the teacher's work day should be increased by an extra one-half(1/2) hour. Ken Patrick stated that there is a serious concern that the Schools could be taken over by the State. Bob Hutchinson commented further to Ken's and Chris's discussion, adding that a letter should be written outlining the fact that there should be some measures of attainment and strongly agrees that we should have good expectations for the children in the School. Proper Management of time off among employees also was addressed by Bob Hutchinson. Bob noted that he is not opposed by the teacher's sala fies, as their needs to be award for performance,but expectations must be met, and them needs to be educational improvement. Bob commented his feeling that teacher's need to be more specialized 'in what they teach, i.e.; a math teacher would be best if he or she has attuned a degree in math, as opposed to just a general degree i education. Bob Hutchinson would acidness concerns in writing, one of which would be to the contracts brought out separately, to be discussed at the Ton Meeting, in addition to the need for educational improvement, It was determined at the meetina that Bob Hutchinson would work with Chuck Gaior and Bill Johnson on a draft statement to address the Board's concerns.